The presence of Rule 5 Draft pick Victor Reyes is somewhat of a strain on the Tigers’ roster. Evan Woodberry of mlive.com takes an extensive look at the topic, and notes that the speedy outfielder’s most definable job so far this season has been as a pinch runner for the aging Victor Martinez. While injuries mount for Detroit, other players have been forced to shoulder a heavier workload, including Mikie Mahtook, who had to start Wednesday’s game against the Rangers despite being jet-lagged and sleep-deprived. While Reyes certainly has a bright future, Woodberry points out that he’s clearly overmatched by big-league pitching in the present; he’s only managed to collect three soft singles so far this season and has an average exit velocity below 80 MPH. In accordance with the Rule 5 boundaries, Reyes must remain on the Tigers’ 25-man roster for the entirety of the season or be returned to his former club (the Diamondbacks). Few around baseball have any doubt that his future is bright, but rostering him for the entire season could prove a significant burden for a club that’s already going to have a hard time winning baseball games.
Onto some items from the NL Central…
- Travis Sawchik of Fangraphs writes that the Pirates found a winning lottery ticket in the form of recent minor-league free agent Richard Rodriguez. The 28-year-old right-hander has been just about as dominant as a pitcher can be, evidenced by his 15.53 K/9 and microscopic 0.16 FIP on the young season. He’s already been worth half a win above replacement, as Sawchik points out, which is remarkable considering we’re not even halfway through May. Sawchik has plenty of other interesting facts throughout a deep look into RichRod’s dominance, including the whiff rate on his fastball, his first-pitch strike percentage and the way he’s attacking hitters.
- In other Pirates news, right-hander Jameson Taillon exited last night’s start with a finger laceration. According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Taillon is frustrated at the freak accident and hopes it won’t cost him a start. “It just got worse and worse. It’s tough in the short term to come out of a game, but hopefully by coming out when I did, we’ve kind of mitigated it,” Taillon said. “Hopefully I won’t miss starts down the road.” The budding Pirates ace has had something of a Jekyll-and-Hyde season so far, allowing 15 earned runs in his three losses but permitting just three across his other five starts.
- Nick Senzel’s vertigo is back, and the Reds prospect has landed on the 7-day DL as a result. Mark Sheldon of MLB.com notes that Senzel hasn’t played since being removed from a May 3rd game after just one plate appearance. Vertigo is a condition that brings on dizziness spells and causes the victim to lose balance. Reds president Dick Williams told reporters recently that the club is “being very cautious” with their top-ranked prospect, and at the moment there isn’t a clear timetable for when he’ll be able to resume playing. The club has been playing Senzel at both second and third base this season in hopes of increasing his versatility and finding him a spot at the big league level.
Pretty sure the Tigers have no interest in contending this year and that “roster strain” is a non-issue. Also pretty sure Mikie Mahtook will take all the major league ABs he can get.
I was thinking the same. The Tigers, I’m sure, are smart enough to know that there’s no likely championship to be sniffed at this season; if EVER you’re going to bear the burden of a promising rookie who is currently under-performing, it’s during a season like this.
Are we sure Mikie Mahtook isn’t a character in the Sandlot. Wasn’t he Nicky Delmonico’s cool neighbor?
If Reyes is that hot of a prospect, why didn’t HE start over Mahtook? Heck, he is 24 and played at AA last year? He reminds me of Gorkys Hernandez.
I mean, yeah, that’s the bigger problem than Reyes burning a roster spot. He’s always been seen as a 4th-5th outfield type for most scouts. He’s probably just not very good. There’s a reason he was left unprotected in the first place.
Agree. I don’t see a bright future. Scouts are just guessing.
So are you.
Agreed. He has been pretty mediocre (at best) every step of the way throughout his career so far, and as far as I can tell, he has never been regarded as that great of a prospect. I think we’re severely over-exaggerating the amount of baseball people that think he has a “bright future” in the game.
I don’t see the stress about “winning games.” This is a rebuild. Reyes has no reason to be returned.
I am a Pirate fan, but I sure hope that Senzel’s vertigo doesn’t turn into something as serious as Nick Esasky’s
I’ve been thinking the very same thing. Esasky was a dominant hitter in the 80s and early 90s, but once vertigo set in it never subsided to the point that he could resume his career. Tragic.
I have had it for 2 years. its miserable. It really depends on the cause. If there is a clear reason like infection then he should be fine. If not it could go on forever
It is almost laughable that Evan Woodbury would write an article stating that Reyes is a strain on the Tigers roster. He is not nearly the strain that an aging DH only guy making $18M is. If roster strain is really a problem, send Victor Martinez packing.
Now, if you want to talk what’s best for Reyes’ development, then Tigers should talk to Arizona about a deal that would allow the Tigers to keep him and send him down. Cash, a low level prospect, something. Because Reyes should be playing every day in the minors.
Trade Martinez? Then who would Reyes run for?
“rostering him for the entire season could prove a significant burden for a club that’s already going to have a hard time winning baseball games.”
Perhaps, but rostering him for the entire season could prove a significant advantage for a club that’s hoping to qualify for a top three draft choice.
I know what Esasky and Senzel are going through. You feel hopeless, unable to do the most minimal thing even driving. In my case, a diet consisting of low sodium, veggies and fruit helped me tremendously. I wish them a speedy recovery.
How do you get vertigo?
Netflix maybe?
fortnite
Mine was caused by an inner ear problem !
Bad luck
it could be unknown it could be Mariners disease or problems are infections in the ears. going to have my ears looked at again next week buy a new specialist so I’ll let you know if I find anything out. the gentleman is right though it is absolutely miserable. it can ruin your life